About
The Bel Canto Chorus of St. Louis, Missouri, stands as a dynamic pillar within the city's arts community. Welcoming singers of diverse ages and levels of experience, the chorus fosters a vibrant and inclusive environment. With two engaging semesters each year, the chorus delves into a repertoire that spans various genres and styles. Each semester culminates in a beautiful performance featuring a larger work accompanied by orchestral instruments. These concerts not only highlight the chorus's dedication to musical excellence but also serve as a vibrant and integral part of the rich cultural tapestry of St. Louis.
Mission
Our mission is to create a welcoming and inclusive community that celebrates the joy of singing, fosters fellowship, and enhances musical abilities through a non-auditioned approach, ensuring a quality musical experience for all.
Vision
Our vision is to enrich people's lives by fostering a deep appreciation for beautiful music through the power of singing.
Musical Leadership
Dr. Bruce Vantine, conductor
Dr. Bruce Vantine was conductor and artistic director of The Bel Canto Chorus of Saint Louis from June 1983 through May of 1991. He resumed the position in
January 2002. He holds degrees from Concordia College, Moorhead, MN, where he studied under Paul J. Christiansen; Michigan State University, where he
worked with composers H. Owen Reed and Jere Hutcheson; and the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana, (DMA), where he studied with Harold Decker.
Vantine was an associate professor and director of choral music at the University of Missouri-St. Louis from 1980 to 1993.
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Vantine is founder and conductor of The Cornerstone Chorale & Brass, a nationally recruited, paid professional 30-member touring ensemble performing
fine choral music augmented with narration. Cornerstone has presented 501 performances in the United States and Canada, including solo appearances at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts and Carnegie Hall in New York, both sponsored by The Riverside Church.
In addition, Vantine directs the choir at The Lutheran Church of the Atonement in Florissant, Missouri.
Dr. David Nalesnik, accompanist
Dr. David Nalesnik holds degrees from Oberlin College and Indiana University Jacobs School of Music. He is currently pianist at Eliot Unitarian Chapel in
Kirkwood. He is an accompanist at Webster University Community School of Music and a faculty member of the Webster Summer Composition Intensive.
He has taught music theory at Webster University, the University of Missouri - St. Louis, as well as music history at Maryville University.
